ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
PAINTING INSTALLATION ON AKAM IN CHENNAI AIRPORT
Celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav , a huge painting installation measuring 30ft. X 12 ft. was unveiled at Chennai Airport Domestic Terminal, today.
Sh. Amal Garg, IRS, Chief Vigilance officer, Airports Authority of India unveiled the huge painting in presence of Dr. Sharad Kumar, Airport Director; Sh. Anurag Sharma, GM , AAI-CHQ and senior officials of AAI.
The painting depicting the rich cultural expanse of our country/state also dwell enough into its glorious past, riveting present and promising future. The painting took nearly 15 days to complete and was conceived and executed by students of Sri Annai Kamakshi Music and Fine Arts College, Chennai curated by Sh. S Venkatachalapathy, College Director and AAI Chennai team.
The painting is installed on the bus lounge access wall leading to remote boarding area will be a visual treat to departing passengers.
Painting Installation- concept:
India/Tamil Nadu – A Confluence of Time and Culture
India has a unique cultural narrative its societies are a rich amalgamation of its past, present and the future co-existing together, brilliantly captured in its diverse spaces. Today India and its States are on the path to urbanization, but importantly maintains the charms of its glorious tradition.
Tamil Nadu has got a unique skyline where skyscrapers are complemented by heritage structures. Bullock carts share road space with modern high-end hybrid vehicles. Women in our society have embraced diverse professions ranging from art and dance forms to cutting edge research in life saving medicine. Kite flying co-exists with modern hi-tech drones flying around the urban spaces.
Tamil Nadu owns a proud mix of diverse art forms ranging from traditional paintings to post-modern, abstract/ digital paintings. People from diverse backgrounds and cultures, live together and celebrate life and culture.
India and its states is a success story of progress driven by enlightened ideas which are inclusive and people centric. In this 21st century, it is beacon of inspiration for the world. The painting effectually sums up that story, according to the Press Release issued by Corporate Communication Department, AAI Chennai Airport.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 9.28 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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|
9,28,42,915
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 9.28 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
PM reviews progress towards holistic development of islands
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today reviewed the progress towards holistic development of islands.
The Union Government had constituted the Islands Development Agency on June 1st, 2017. 26 islands have been listed for holistic development.
NITI Aayog made a presentation on the elements of holistic development, including key infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, green energy, desalination plants, waste management, promotion of fisheries, and tourism-based projects.
Reviewing the work done in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Prime Minister emphasized on the need for developing an integrated tourism-centric ecosystem, in the areas identified for tourism development. He called for expeditious pursuit of energy self-sufficiency in the islands, which could be based on solar energy.
The Prime Minister was also briefed on the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to dispense with the requirement of Restricted Area Permit for foreigners visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Greater connectivity of these islands with South East Asia was also discussed.
During the review of development work in Lakshadweep, the Prime Minister was apprised of the steps taken to boost Tuna fishing, and the promotion of “Lakshadweep Tuna” as a brand. The Prime Minister appreciated Lakshadweep’s initiatives on cleanliness.
Development of vital infrastructure in both Andaman and Nicobar islands, as well as in Lakshadweep was discussed.
The Prime Minister asked the concerned officials to explore the possibility of seaweed cultivation, and other initiatives which could be of help for the agriculture sector.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the Lt. Governors of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, CEO NITI Aayog, and senior officials from the Union Government.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASIA PACIFIC FORUM ON HUMAN RIGHTS
MORE THAN THE CODIFIED LAW, IT IS A MORAL OBLIGATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ENSURE HUMAN RIGHTS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE TERM: PRESIDENT MURMU
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Annual General Meeting and Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights in New Delhi, today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President urged all not to treat the issue of human rights in isolation and pay equal attention to nursing Mother Nature which is deeply wounded by the indiscretions of human beings. She said that in India, we believe that every particle of the universe is a manifestation of divinity. She said that we should rekindle our love for nature to conserve and enrich it before it is too late.
The President said that human beings are as good a creator as a destroyer. She added that according to scientific studies, this planet has entered the phase of sixth extinction where man-made destruction, if not stopped, will be the undoing of not only the human race but also the other lives on the earth. The President said that more than the codified law, it is a moral obligation of the international community to ensure human rights in every sense of the term.
The President was happy to note that one session in the Conference is exclusively devoted to the topic of environment and climate change. She expressed confidence that the Conference would come out with a comprehensive declaration that would pave the way for betterment of humanity and the planet.
The President said that our Constitution adopted universal adult franchise right, since the inception of the Republic, and enabled us to usher in numerous silent revolutions, in the field of gender justice, and protection of life and dignity. She added that we ensured a minimum of 33 percent reservation for women in local bodies’ elections and in a pleasant co-incidence, a proposal to provide similar reservation for women in the state assemblies and national Parliament, is taking a shape now. She shared that it would be the most transformative revolution, in our times for gender justice.
The President said that India is ready to learn from the best practices in other parts of the world to improve human rights which is an ongoing project. She emphasised that the Asia Pacific Region Forum has a great role to play in evolving an international consensus through deliberation and consultation with human rights institutions and stakeholders all over the world.
Please click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
TEA GARDENS IN NORTH BENGAL RESUMES OPERATIONS, WHILE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PRESCRIBED SANITISATION NORMS
Kolkata, April 13, 2020
In North Bengal, the plucking and skiffing of tea resumed in several tea gardens, maintaining social distance and other sanitisation norms prescribed by the Union and State Government. According to the Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, Shri Arun Kumar Ray, the tea gardens in Terai, Dooars and Darjeeling have started field operations from Monday.
According to the directives of the Centre as well as the State Government, the tea estates have to follow social distancing norms, proper hygiene and sanitisation measures for the workers while resuming works. Only 15 to 25 percent workers rotationally should work following the State administrative directives. The directives are to be implemented by the district authorities. Shri Ray said, abiding by all directives, 25 percent of the work-force have already started operations.
On 3rd April, the Centre had proposed re-opening of the tea gardens, for which the Union Ministry for Home Affairs sent an advisory to all States/Union Territories regarding granting of exception to agricultural operations from lockdown restrictions to fight COVID-19, keeping in mind the harvesting and sowing season. Exceptions were allowed for farming operations by farmers and farm workers, procurement of agricultural productions, operation of Mandis, movement of harvesting and sowing related machinery. Chief Minister, West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee first hesitated as the workers were a bit unnerved in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19. However, after the meeting with representatives of industries, Chambers of Commerce and MSME units, the State Government allowed 15 to 25 percent workers to work in the tea gardens following rotation and social distancing as well as sanitisation norms.
According to Tea Board there are 1585 established tea gardens in the country and more than 387 tea estates in West Bengal out of which 300 belong to Dooars region. The time now is ripe for first flush tea production the Dooars region. There are more than 3,35000  tea-workers in the State, out of which nearly 2,50000  are permanent employees. At present 11 tea gardens are closed in the country out of which, eight belong to West Bengal. The tea gardens in West Bengal closed since the last week of March, 2020, following the announcement of the lockdown.
SSS/AB
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Cabinet approves MoU signed between India and Guinea in the field of Renewable Energy.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for the MoU between India and Guinea in the field of Renewable Energy.
Objective:
The objective of the MoU is:
- To establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship
- To encourage and promote bilateral technical cooperation in the field of renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity between the Parties.
- Areas of cooperation include Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Bio-energy, and Waste to energy, Small Hydro Storage and Capacity Build.
The Memorandum of understanding will also help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
A sum of Rs.20263.07 crore allocated under POSHAN 2.0 for the current Financial Year 2022-23
Government has approved “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0” which is a strategic shift in mission mode to develop practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity from malnutrition. The Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls and Poshan Abhiyan have been re-aligned under POSHAN 2.0 for maximizing nutritional outcomes. For the current Financial Year 2022-23, a sum of Rs.20263.07 crore has been allocated as compared to Financial Year 2019-20 when Rs 19,834.37 crore was allocated.
To strengthen Anganwadi Services and to achieve intended outcomes, capacity building of Anganwadi workers are a priority area under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. Training is imparted based on developments in the Anganwadi Services Scheme and in the area of women and child development. Anganwadi Workers are made aware about Anganwadi Services Scheme and its objectives, requirements of beneficiaries under the scheme and the services mandated for delivery to them. They are made aware about preparation of training/learning material, use of assessment cards and involvement of parents in the ECCE programme. They are trained on supplementary nutrition guidelines, nutrition norms, food safety norms and practices, new born care and early assessment of childhood illnesses, ante-natal and post-natal practices, Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and use of growth monitoring devices.
The training curriculum has been developed in consultation with faculty of NIPCCD who are experts in the area of Child Development, Communication, Early Childhood Care and Education, Nutrition, Psychology, Sociology, Social work etc. The training provided to the Anganwadi Workers/Anganwadi Helpers and the Supervisors at the Anganwadi Workers Training Centres /Middle Level Training Centres  is a part of the Anganwadi Services Scheme. The AWTCs/MLTCs are run by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development issues advisories to all States from time to time not to engage Anganwadi Workers and Helpers in non-ICDS activities in States/ UTs so that the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers remain fully committed in implementing the scheme activities.
Further, this Ministry has also issued Streamlined guidelines on 13.01.2021, covering several aspects such as quality assurance, roles and responsibilities of duty holders, procedure for procurement, integrating AYUSH concepts and Data management and Monitoring through ‘Poshan Tracker’ for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery of Supplementary Nutrition.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Steel
Quality Control of Steel Products
Ministry of Steel has constituted a Technical Committee, comprising officials of BIS and domain experts from the industry to examine applications for import of steel products whether the steel products being imported fall within the purview of the Steel Quality Control Order or otherwise. Based on the recommendation of Technical Committee, ministry issues requisite clarification to the applicants. The ministry has set up a dedicated QCO portal for processing the applications since July, 27 2020. As per the state-wise break-up 472 applications have been received in the Portal so far. State-wise break-up is at the Annexure.
Annexure
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Sr. No.
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State
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Number of Applications
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1
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Bihar
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1
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|
2
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|
Delhi
|
|
11
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|
3
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|
Gujarat
|
|
40
|
|
4
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|
Haryana
|
|
51
|
|
5
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|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
5
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|
6
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|
Jharkhand
|
|
4
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|
7
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|
Karnataka
|
|
41
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|
8
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|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
2
|
|
9
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|
Maharashtra
|
|
108
|
|
10
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|
Punjab
|
|
43
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|
11
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|
Rajasthan
|
|
7
|
|
12
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
141
|
|
13
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|
Telangana
|
|
9
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|
14
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|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
6
|
|
15
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
3
|
|
Total
|
|
472
This information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
50th Conference of Governors Concludes at Rashtrapati Bhavan Today
The 50th Conference of Governors concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan today  while laying emphasis on tribal welfare and issues related to water, agriculture, higher education and ease of living.
Five Groups of Governors submitted their reports on these issues, and deliberated and identified actionable points in which governors can play a facilitating role. The conference took keen interest in tribal welfare issue and pointed out that policies for tribal uplift had to be tailored in accordance with local requirements.
In his closing remarks, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind said that the discussions held by Governors and Lt. Governors proved to be a fruitful exercise. The participation of Ministries and NITI Aayog has helped in making these discussions focused and actionable. He was confident that many useful solutions would come out of the deliberations of this conference.
The President said that November 26 this year is the 70th anniversary of our Constitution. On that day a campaign will be launched to create awareness about fundamental duties among the citizens. He expressed hope that all Raj Bhavans will celebrate the Constitution Day in an effective manner and Governors will play a major role in creating awareness about fundamental duties among the people.
The President said that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment including water resources like forest, lake and river. It is also a constitutional duty to continuously strive for excellence in all areas for the progress of country. Individual and collective efforts for excellence in the areas of higher education, agriculture, inclusive growth and governance will give impetus to public welfare.
The President said that the post of Governor is the most important link in our federal system. Governors have a role in ensuring better coordination between centre and states. The President also made suggestions to governors to make their respective Raj Bhavans more interactive and accessible to ordinary people and representatives of different organs of the state.
While referring to gubernatorial post as having the colonial legacy of inaccessibility with common people, he urged governors to make conscious efforts to connect with people and dispel any such perception of Raj Bhavan being beyond the reach of the people.
The Vice President, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs also addressed the concluding session.
Special Service and Features
Gold worth Rs. 27.18 lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs; One arrested
Based on intelligence, one Pazhanisamy Murugesan, 27 years, of Unjini, Ariyalur district Tamil Nadu who arrived from Sharjah by Air Arabia flight G9-471 was intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On his personal search, four bundles of gold paste weighing 648 grams were recovered from rectum. On extraction 550 grams of 24K purity gold worth Rs. 27.18 Lakhs was recovered and same was seized under Customs Act. The passenger was arrested.
Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address the nation today on COVID-19 pandemic
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the nation today i.e 24 March 2020 at 8 PM on issues relating to the menace of COVID-19.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said “Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19.”
Special Service and Features
Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Expressway to be completed within 30 months CPA Chairman Shri Sunil Paliwal
Chennai Port Authority Chairman Shri Sunil Paliwal today said the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Expressway is expected to be completed within 30 months at a cost of Rs 5800 crore and the work will resume soon.
Shri Sunil Paliwal, who is also the Chairman of Kamarajar Port Authority, said this while interacting with the media at Chennai Port office.
He spoke in detail about the quantity, revenue and expenditure of goods handled at the port. He said the Chennai port is the largest automobile handling harbour in the country. He also said while Kamaraj Port is one of the most modern ports in the country, it is setting an example by charging very low processing fees.
He also said the Chennai Port has earned a revenue of over Rs 111 crore in the financial year 2021-2022 and the Kamaraj Port has earned a revenue of about Rs 531.95 crore.
The Maduravoyal-Chennai Port Expressway project will also include a double flyover from Sivananda Road to Koyambedu. He said the lower tier would be designed to accommodate domestic vehicles and the upper tier would carry port-bound vehicles.
He also said that talks were underway to construct a flyover from Maduravoyal to Sriperumbudur.
Chennai Port Authority Deputy Chairman Shri Balaji Arunkumar, Press Information Bureau Additional Director General Shri M Annadurai were present.
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says Emergency Landing Facilities will be developed at 19 other places to strengthen country’s security
Union minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that Emergency Landing Facilities will be developed at 19 other places to strengthen country’s security. Inaugurating the Emergency Landing Facility on National Highway 925A in Rajasthan with Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh he said this highway run-way will further strengthen the country's security in protecting the borders which are strategically important.
Shri Gadkari said at 19 other places in the country on Phalodi – Jaisalmer road and Barmer – Jaisalmer road in Rajasthan, Kharagpur – Balasore road in West Bengal, Kharagpur – Keonjhar road and near Panagarh/KKD, Chennai in Tamil Nadu, on Puducherry road, in Andhra Pradesh on Nellore – Ongole road and Ongole – Chilakaluripet road, in Haryana on Mandi Dabwali to Odhan road, near Sangrur in Punjab, on Bhuj-Naliya road in Gujarat and on Surat-Baroda road, in Jammu and Kashmir in the Banihal-Srinagar road , Leh/Nyoma area in Assam and on the Jorhat-Baraghat road, near Sivasagar, Bagdogra-Hashimara road, Hashimara-Tezpur route and Hashimara-Guwahati road in Assam , Emergency Landing facilities will be developed.
The Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the construction of world class National Highway is being done at record speed. He said now our National Highways will also be of use to the army, which will make our country more secure and always ready for emergency situations.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal Shri. R. S Bhadauria were also present on the Occasion.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Contribution of Agricultural Sector in GDP
As per the Second Advance Estimates of National Income, 2022-23 released by Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation , the share of Gross value added  of agriculture and allied sectors in total economy and growth of GVA of agriculture and allied sectors for the years of 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 are as under:
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Year
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Share of GVA of agriculture and allied sectors in total economy  at current prices
|
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Growth of GVA of agriculture and allied sectors  
|
|
2020-21
|
|
20.3
|
|
4.1
|
|
2021-22
|
|
19.0
|
|
3.5
|
|
2022-23
|
|
18.3
|
|
3.3
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.